Born Kristian Vikernes in 1973 in Bergen, the musician later known as Louis Cachet emerged as a central figure in the Norwegian black metal scene. Throughout the early 1990s, he gained notoriety for his musical contributions and his subsequent criminal convictions, which included arson and the fatal stabbing of a fellow performer in an apartment.
Musical trajectory
Vikernes began playing guitar at age 14 and participated in the band Old Funeral from 1989 until 1991. He gained prominence through his solo project, Burzum, releasing five albums between 1992 and 1996. During this period, he also provided bass for Mayhem’s debut studio album, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas. His musical output spanned black metal and ambient styles.
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In May 1994, a Norwegian court sentenced Vikernes to 21 years in prison, the legal maximum, for first-degree murder, arson, and possession of explosives. He was found guilty of burning four Christian churches, including the Holmenkollen Chapel in Oslo. He was acquitted of the arson involving the Fantoft Stave Church. He maintained that the killing of guitarist Øystein Aarseth was self-defense.
Incarceration and release
During his 15-year incarceration, Vikernes founded the Norsk Hedensk Front and published two books. Following his release on parole in 2009, he relocated to a farm in Corrèze, France, and changed his name to Louis Cachet. He continued his work as a blogger and YouTuber, specifically through his channel, Thulean Perspective. In 2014, a French court convicted him of inciting racial hatred.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Bergen
- Citizenship: Norway and France
- Primary project: Burzum
- Religious affiliation: Odinism
- Adopted name: Louis Cachet
- Sentenced: 21 years in 1994
- Resided in: Iraq (age 6)
- Occupations: Writer, composer, singer
Questions readers ask
What bands was Varg Vikernes associated with?
He played with Old Funeral, Mayhem, and his solo project, Burzum.
Where does Varg Vikernes reside now?
He lives in France, having moved to a small farm in Corrèze after his release from prison.
Achievements
- Instruments: bass guitar, keyboard instrument and percussion instrument
- Genres: dark ambient and black metal
